Budget lacks clarity about source of fund: CPD

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) says the proposed budget lacks clarity about the source of fund and expenditure.

It termed the projected revenue unrealistic and pointed out that there is no clear guideline over the source of the funds for implanting the budget.

Its formal reaction came a day after Finance Minister AMA Muhith presented the Tk 4.65 trillion budget for fiscal 2018-19 in parliament. The figure is an increase of 25 percent from the revised budget and more than 16 percent higher than the original budget of the outgoing fiscal year.

The economic think-tank said the proposed budget has increased benefits and allowances for the poor and taken some small projects ahead of national polls.

“The government has taken up these projects with the election in mind,” said Professor Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the CPD responding to a question.

The budget proposed higher indirect tax than direct tax, which will put pressure on the middle-income group than the higher-middle income group who are expected to finance the election, according to the CPD.

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